Jeanette Lewis

Jan was a kind hearted woman, loved by all who knew her. Born on December 15, 1936 in Spencer, Iowa Jeanette Edleman was the daughter of George Keith Edleman and Gertrude Catherine Brown Edleman. She grew up on the family farm in Webb, Iowa. She attended the Webb School district where she played basketball. After graduating high school, Jan pursued a college degree at Briar Cliff Women’s College in Sioux City, majoring in Physical Education. She met the love of her life Don Lewis, at the Roof Garden dance hall in Arnolds Park. Fittingly, Don danced away with Jan’s heart. After transferring to Buena Vista College to be with Don, she became a cheerleader to keep an eye on him and watch him play football. They married during the magical holiday season on December 27, 1956 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. Jan was a fighter. She learned to cherish life and family at an early age. She was born prematurely, while her mother had scarlet fever. Jan was not expected to live. She was so small they made a bed for her out of a shoebox, which they placed in a dresser drawer. She survived and grew into an active, spirited young girl, but later developed near-fatal tetnus from an injury on the farm. She was actually given last rites. While In college, Jan became so ill with hepatitis that she and Don postponed their wedding. But nothing could stop her from living life to the fullest. Once married, the couple made their way to Garner, Iowa where Don taught and coached for 3 years. They were blessed with two sons, Mark and Brent while living in Garner. In 1960, they then moved their family to Gowrie, Iowa where they set their roots for 17 years. Don continued to coach and teach in the Prairie Community School District, while Jan taught preschool in their home for several years. While in Gowrie, God blessed the couple with their third child, Becky. In 1977, the family moved to Waverly, Iowa where Don coached at Wartburg College. Jan worked in an Optometrist office and was a substitute preschool teacher. Fulfilling their longtime dream of living in Colorado, Jan and her family moved to Loveland, CO in 1983 to be closer to Don’s parents. They settled in Lakewood, CO in 1991 where Jan was a Marketing Director until she retired. Her greatest joy in life was being an active part of her grandchildren's lives. Jan also loved animals, nature, art and cheating at card games. Jan is survived by her husband Don Lewis, her children Mark Dunn Lewis and wife Susan, Brent Lewis, Becky Combs and husband Doug. Her grandchildren Chloe Lewis, Hannah Lewis, Joshua Combs and wife Ashley, Nicholas Combs and Jessica Combs. Sister Kathy Stanley and family & brother Richard Edleman and family.